Mensesneg: Said Iqbal's Cabinet Position Still Under Discussion

The Indonesian government is actively discussing the possibility of appointing Labor Party President Said Iqbal to a cabinet position, according to Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.

"It is being discussed, it is being discussed," Prasetyo stated on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the House of Representatives building in Jakarta. He previously suggested that Iqbal's potential role might be linked to his background in labor and employment issues, though specific positions remain undisclosed.

Said Iqbal himself has indicated that he received notification from the Presidential Palace regarding a potential appointment as a minister in the "Cabinet Merah Putih." While he declined to reveal details about when or by whom he was contacted, or the exact position he might hold, he anticipates an official announcement from the State Secretary Minister, possibly concerning employment matters.

This potential appointment follows President Prabowo Subianto's inclusion of other labor union leaders in his cabinet, such as Jumhur Hidayat, who was appointed Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Protection Agency in April 2026. Both the Confederation of Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPI), led by Iqbal, and the Confederation of All Indonesian Workers' Unions (KSPSI) have previously celebrated International Labor Day with President Prabowo.

Iqbal has refuted claims that his potential appointment is intended to quell labor protests, asserting instead that it would strengthen the advocacy for workers' welfare.